Falcarragh

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Falcarragh
An Fál Carrach
Location
Location of Falcarragh
centerMap highlighting Falcarragh
Statistics
Province: Ulster
County: County Donegal
Dáil Éireann: Donegal North West
Dialling code: 074, +000 353 74
Population (2006) 842 

Falcarragh (official name: An Fál Carrach, meaning The Scabby Fence or sometimes Na Crois Bhealaí)[1] is a small town, in the north-west of County Donegal, Ireland. The settlement is in the old parish of Cloughaneely. It is within a Gaeltacht region, where the Irish language is spoken daily.

Contents

[edit] Etymology

The name Falcarragh (lit. An (the) Fál (Wall) Carrach (Stone) Stone Wall / Boundary) has been used since 1850, ascribed so by O' Donavan as he believed 'Na Crois Bhealaí', the Cross Roads, was too common in Ireland to allow distinction. Na Crois Bhealaí is still used by native speakers when referring to the town.

The crossroads on Falcarragh main street.
The crossroads on Falcarragh main street.

[edit] History

From 1622 to 1921, the Olpherts were the main landlords in the district, Sir John Olphert being the last Olphert landlord, who died in 1917. Falcarragh has a rich history and culture and has among its many riches the highest celtic cross in Ireland at Ray.

[edit] Transport

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Placenames (Ceantair Ghaeltachta) Order 2004. As to the meaning of the name, see Deirdre and Laurence Flanagan, Irish Place Names, Gill & Macmillan, 2002.
  2. ^ Falcarragh station. Railscot - Irish Railways. Retrieved on 2007-10-13.
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